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Children and young people are flagged if they are at risk of becoming, or are already involved, in criminal or anti-social gang activity, or because they are at risk of becoming victims of gang violence.

As well as facing the risk of violence, children involved with gangs might be pressured into doing things like stealing or carrying drugs or weapons. They are also at risk of abuse, exploitation, and being put in dangerous situations.

Shocking number of children at risk from gangs in Gloucestershire (Image: Gloucestershire Live)

Councillor Richard Boyles, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at the council, said: "Our top priority is keeping children and young people safe from all forms of exploitation.

"Over the last year we have been working with partner organisations to increase awareness of this issue. This, coupled with better identification, police intelligence and partnership working has allowed us to identify risks and needs at an earlier stage so we can ensure appropriate support is put in place."

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Nationally, the number of cases where children were identified as being at risk from gangs after being referred to social services increased from 6,570 in 2016/17 to 8,650 in 2017/18. The figure stood at just 3,700 in 2014-15, meaning it has more than doubled since then.

Children are at risk of abuse, exploitation, and being put in dangerous situations (Image: PA)

While gangs are often seen as a predominantly London-based issue, only around a third of cases seen nationally were in the city - 3,130 in total.

A further 1,290 cases were highlighted in the North West, 970 in the South East, 800 in both the West Midlands and East of England, 530 in the South West, 510 in the East Midlands, and 490 in Yorkshire and the Humber.